Punjab Sikhya Kranti-Punjab Government Transforms Government Schools: Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond

- Sond Inaugurates Infrastructure Development Projects Worth Rs 34.50 Lakh in 4 more Government Schools in Khanna Constituency

Chandigarh/Khanna, April 15:Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Tuesday stated that the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has completely transformed government schools, unlike previous regimes that neglected the education sector.

Sond inaugurated infrastructure development projects worth Rs 34.50 lakh under the Punjab Sikhya Kranti program in four schools. At Government Senior Secondary School, Bija, a library was constructed at a cost of Rs 9.65 lakh, a boundary wall for Rs 3 lakh, and children’s bathrooms for Rs 1.40 lakh. Government High School, Bhumaddi, received a science lab worth Rs 11 lakh. At Government Primary School, Faizgarh, a classroom was constructed for Rs 6.26 lakh, along with the installation of a projector panel and desks for Rs 1.25 lakh. Lastly, at Government Primary School, Kamma, a boundary wall was built for Rs 1.44 lakh, and Rs 50,000 was allocated for children's bathrooms.

Sond emphasized that the Punjab government, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to improving the quality of education. He pointed out that even after 75 years of India’s independence, the condition of government schools had been deteriorating, with no previous government taking substantial steps to uplift these “temples of education” where the future of children is shaped. However, the present government has made education and healthcare its top priorities.

Drawing inspiration from Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sond noted that Dr. Ambedkar, despite his humble beginnings, pursued his studies with great determination, often sitting on a mat outside the classroom, earned education abroad, became a lawyer, served as a government official and Law Minister, and ultimately became the architect of the Indian Constitution.

The Cabinet Minister said that earlier, transport facilities were only available in private schools, but now students of government schools are also benefiting from this service. The parents of the students are feeling happy that the Punjab government has provided them with a safe environment. He said that no previous government ever took any initiative to raise the standard of education, but with the support of the people, we are bringing revolutionary changes in the field of education. He stated that if the intention is good, everything is possible.

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SIKHYA KRANTI BRINGS BACK LIFE TO GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS : LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR

CABINET MINISTER INAUGURATES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH OVER RS.1.52-CR IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS OF PATTI CONSTITUENCY

Chandigarh/Patti, April 15:Punjab Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government has made history by increasing the education budget by 12 percent for the first time in the state's history and government schools in Tarn Taran district have witnessed tremendous development under the Sikhya Kranti initiative.

S. Bhullar inaugurated development projects worth over Rs.1.52 crore at Government Elementary Schools in Nadohar and Asal and Government High Schools in Saidpur, Bhagupur, Chuslevarh and Bathe Bhaini in his constituency Patti.

After inaugurating development projects at government schools, S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that the government's decision has brought back life to government schools. Around 20,000 teachers have been recruited to address teacher shortages and students in Schools of Eminence are being prepared for prestigious careers through specialized coaching for IAS, IPS, PCS, IIT and other advanced fields to secure their bright futures.

The Cabinet Minister lamented that due to anti-education policies of previous governments, the state's government schools had deteriorated significantly, causing parents to prefer private schools for their children. However, since the Mann government took charge, education and health sectors have been prioritized for comprehensive development, resulting in a substantial increase in government school enrollments, with parents now transferring their children from private to government schools.

Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Chairman Dilbagh Singh, District Education Officer (Secondary) Tarn Taran Satnam Singh, District Education Officer (Elementary) Tarn Taran Jagwinder Singh, various school principals, teachers, village residents and parents of the students.

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Vigilance Bureau arrests Constable for demanding Rs. 60,000 bribe

Trials of Malkhamb for Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Gurdaspur on April 17th

Chandigarh, April 15:The trials of Malkhamb (Boys & Girls) sport in respect of Khelo India Youth Games would be held on April 17th at Government Senior Secondary School (Girls) in Gurdaspur. These games would be held in Bihar from May 4th to May 15th, 2025.

A spokesperson of the Sports Department said that these trials would begin at 11 am and the interested players must be born on January 1st, 2007 or after.

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PUNJAB SIKHYA KRANTI: BARINDER KUMAR GOYAL INAUGURATES DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WORTH RS.1.90-CR IN VARIOUS GOVT SCHOOLS

LAUDS HARDWORKING TEACHERS FOR HONING SKILLS OF STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

Chandigarh/Lehragaga, April 15:Punjab Cabinet Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today inaugurated development projects worth around Rs.1.90 crore at various government schools in the Lehragaga Assembly constituency.

While addressing gathering in these functions, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the objective of providing excellent facilities in government schools is to equip students with qualitative and modern education to make them competitive in today's era. This will enable them to successfully pass challenging competitive examinations in the future and achieve the heights they dream of through their hard work and dedication.

Cabinet Minister inaugurated development projects at Government Primary School and Middle School Ramgarh Sandhuan, Government Primary School Sekhuwas, Government Primary School and High School Ghorenab, Government Primary School Rorewala, Government Primary School and High School Kal Banjara and Government High and Primary Schools in village Jhaloor.

Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal also underlined that Mann Government has created a milestone by providing government jobs to more than 55,000 youth so far.

He said that government schools are now focusing on refining students' skills and encouraging them to pursue education according to their interests so that after completing class 12th, they become capable of participating in competitive examinations and securing their desired positions. Besides this, the campaign to make government departments completely corruption-free is yielding meaningful results, he added.

The Cabinet Minister said, "we are working day and night to fulfill Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann's goal of strengthening education standards in all primary, middle, high and senior secondary schools in the Lehragaga Assembly constituency."

Lauding teachers for their tireless services, the Cabinet Minister said that education department officials have been instructed to remain active in systematically fulfilling the needs of students and teachers of their concerned areas. "In past three years, the Punjab Government has completely transformed the state with development projects and people are expressing satisfaction", he added.

District Education Officer (Primary) Baljinder Kaur, PA Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Amrik Singh former Sarpanch of Ramgarh Sandhuan, Jagseer Singh Block President of village Ramgarh Sandhuan, Lakhbir Singh Lakha Sarpanch of Ghorenab, Gurpiar Singh Block President of village Ghorenab, Bhushan Singh Billa, Rama Singh Namberdar, Jassi Singh of village Sekhuwas, Binder Singh of village Sekhuwas, Karmjit Singh of village Rorewala, Jaswinder Singh, Deepa Singh, Gurvinder Singh Sarpanch of village Jhaloor, Parmjit Singh Pamma, Gurpreet Singh, Chhajju Singh Sarao, Karmjit Singh Kama and Gurpiar Singh.

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Punjab's Education Landscape is Being Transformed Through the Education Revolution: Dr. Baljit Kaur

Inauguration of Various Development Projects in Government Schools of Malout Constituency

Chandigarh/Malout, April 15:Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Education Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains, the Punjab Government is steadfastly committed to revamping the state's education infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of quality education through its ongoing ‘Education Revolution’. In line with this initiative, Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Social Security, Women and Child Development, Dr. Baljit Kaur today inaugurated several development projects in government schools at village Abul Khurana, Malout constituency.

Dr. Baljit Kaur inaugurated development works worth ₹1.40 crore at the Government Primary School (Girls), Abul Khurana. Interacting with students on the occasion, she encouraged them to pursue quality education with dedication and said that girls are no less than anyone and, with the right education, can aspire to become doctors, teachers, engineers, and pilots. She emphasized that the Punjab Government is making continuous efforts to provide high-standard education to every child.

The Minister also inaugurated two newly constructed classrooms at the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Abul Khurana, built at a cost of ₹15 lakh. Similarly, at the Government Senior Secondary School (Girls), she inaugurated a boundary wall constructed at a cost of ₹30 lakh and newly built classrooms costing ₹15 lakh.

At the Government Smart School, Abul Khurana, three newly built classrooms worth ₹22.53 lakh were inaugurated. Additionally, she inaugurated the beautification work of seven existing classrooms, which included new doors, flooring, and POP work, each supported by a grant of ₹1 lakh per classroom.

Dr. Baljit Kaur also inaugurated the boundary wall constructed at a cost of ₹30 lakh and two newly constructed classrooms costing ₹15 lakh at the School of Eminence (Girls), Abul Khurana.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Market Committee Malout Mr. Jashan Brar, Mr. Arshdeep Singh, Mr. Sinderpal Singh (Personal Assistant), Principal Bimla Rani, Principal Ajay Kumar, Headmaster Rajpal Singh, Mr. Harmesh Kumar Arniwala, Mr. Nanak Singh Vikki (Sarpanch, Abul Khurana), Mr. Mohit Kumar Soni (Social Media In-charge), school children, and other dignitaries.

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PUNJAB DECIDES TO INCREASE PROMOTION QUOTA FOR PRINCIPALS TO 75%, 500 TEACHERS TO GET PROMOTIONS: HARJOT BAINS

• Pathbreaking decision reflects CM Mann led Govt's resolute commitment to welfare of teachers & elevate standards of education, says EM

•Congress led Govt had reduced the quota from 75% to 50% in 2018, leading to shortage of principals in Govt schools across Punjab

Chandigarh, 15.04.25-, In a bold move to further strengthening the education system in the state, the Punjab Government has decided to increase the promotion quota for Principals from 50% to 75%, paving the way for the elevation of 500 teachers as Principals in government schools across the state, announced S. Harjot Singh Bains, Minister of School Education, Punjab.

S. Harjot Singh Bains said that this decision showcases the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's resolute commitment to welfare of teachers and elevate the standards of education in Punjab.

He lamented that the congress led state government had reduced this quota from 75% to 50% in 2018, leading to a shortage of principals in government schools across the state. However, the CM Mann led Punjab Government has now restored the quota to its original level.

“The increased quota will provide more opportunities for experienced and qualified teachers to assume leadership roles, fostering a more robust and effective educational environment in schools”, he added.

This pathbreaking decision would eliminate the stagnation in teachers’ promotion, besides creating a more conducive and inspiring atmosphere for academic growth, said S. Harjot Singh Bains, while adding, “we are dedicated to provide quality and modern education to our students thus sending the government school Heads and teachers to premier international and national training Institutes to equip them with world-class teaching methods. We are also ramping up school infrastructure through the ambitious “Sikhya Kranti” initiative by incurring Rs 2000 crore over 12,000 government schools, which are being transformed, besides establishing state-of-the-art Schools of Eminence.”

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PSWC Chairperson Raj Lali Gill to visit Rupnagar on April 16

Chandigarh, April 15:Mrs Raj Lali Gill, Chairperson, Punjab State Women Commission, will visit Rupnagar on April 16, 2025, to participate as the chief guest in a programme on women empowerment being organised at Government College, Rupnagar where she will address the gathering and interact with students and faculty members.

During the visit, she will inspect the Sakhi One Stop Centre and the Women Cell, Rupnagar to review the functioning of services aimed at supporting women in distress.

Chairperson Mrs Gill will take stock of the initiatives being undertaken for the welfare and empowerment of women, and offer necessary guidance to further strengthen these efforts.

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Punjab strengthens power infrastructure with major 66KV substation network upgrades: Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO

Ludhiana, being one of Punjab’s vital industrial hubs, received major boost through the augmentation of power transformers

Chandigarh, April 15 :In a significant move to bolster Punjab’s power transmission infrastructure, Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO announced the successful execution of extensive upgrades to the 66KV substation transmission network by Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) during the fourth quarter of FY 2024-25.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to delivering reliable electricity to every household and industry, the Minister highlighted that PSPCL has undertaken substantial infrastructure enhancements, including the augmentation and addition of Power Transformers, new 66KV substations, and expansion of high-voltage lines.

“Punjab is on a mission to provide uninterrupted and quality power supply to its people, and these upgrades are a major step in that direction,” said Harbhajan Singh ETO. “Our government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is dedicated to strengthening the power backbone of the state to support development and economic growth.”

During FY 2024-25, PSPCL commissioned 5 new 66KV grid substations and augmented 101 Power Transformers at an approximate cost of Rs.250 crore. Additionally, around 200 circuit kilometers of 66KV transmission lines were erected or upgraded with an investment of Rs.160 crore.

Specifically, in the fourth quarter (January to March 2025), 37 Power Transformers with a total capacity of 354 MVA were newly installed or augmented across various districts, with a project cost of approximately Rs.82 crore. These works have improved electricity infrastructure in key areas such as Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Barnala, and Sangrur, ensuring better load management and power reliability.

Ludhiana, being a vital industrial hub of Punjab, received a major boost through the augmentation of power transformers at several key substations including Rajguru Nagar, Alamgir, Dugri, Kanganwal, and Chandigarh Road. These upgrades, totaling over Rs.14 crore in investment, are expected to significantly enhance electricity supply in urban estates, industrial zones, and high-demand residential sectors such as BRS Nagar, Pakhowal Road, and Ferozepur Road. The strengthened infrastructure will support Ludhiana’s economic growth and uninterrupted power supply in peak seasons.

Power Minister Singh emphasize that such proactive developments not only further improve day-to-day power supply but also create a robust system capable of handling future demand surge .

“PSPCL’s efforts reflect our vision of a ‘Power Surplus Punjab,’ where industries thrive, and citizens are empowered with uninterrupted electricity,” he added.

Power Minister said the government plans to continue investing in infrastructure to modernize the state’s power systems, reduce transmission losses, and provide world-class service to its consumers.

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PUNJAB BOOSTS TB FIGHT WITH CUTTING-EDGE HANDHELD X-RAY TECHNOLOGY

— Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh Flags Off Van equipped with Handheld X-Ray Machines and fluorescent microscope

— Dr Balbir Singh thanked IOCL for providing two handheld X-ray machines & two fluorescent microscopes under CSR initiative

— Punjab Bolsters TB Elimination with Innovative X-ray Tech

Chandigarh, April 15:In a major stride toward its goal of eliminating tuberculosis (TB) as desired by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh flagged off an advanced van equipped with handheld X-ray machine and fluorescent microscope from Directorate of Health and Family Welfare here on Tuesday.

Notably, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, in collaboration with the People-to-People Health Foundation has donated two handheld X-ray machines and two fluorescent microscopes to the Punjab Health Department.

While expressing gratitude to the IOCL, Dr Balbir Singh said that these machines will strengthen diagnostic capabilities in Sangrur and Malerkotla districts.

Underlining the need of early detection, Dr Balbir Singh said that, in Punjab, the 2020-21 survey revealed a prevalence-notification ratio of 2.8:1, underscoring the critical need for enhanced screening efforts. Notably, the survey also found that over 40% of notified cases were asymptomatic and detected through X-ray findings, emphasizing the vital role of this diagnostic tool.

Recognizing the limitations of traditional fixed X-ray machines in reaching underserved populations, Punjab has embraced innovative solutions like handheld X-ray technology.

Highlighting the importance of these machines the Health Minister said that these compact and portable devices proved their effectiveness during the recent 100-day intensified TB campaign, where approximately 1.49 lakh X-rays were conducted in the field. The addition of these two new handheld units, alongside two fluorescent microscopes also provided by IOCL, will empower healthcare workers in Sangrur and Malerkotla to conduct wider screenings and facilitate early diagnosis and treatment initiation among vulnerable communities.

"We are immensely grateful to IOCL and the People-to-People Health Foundation for their invaluable support in our mission to eliminate TB from Punjab," said Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh during the flagging-off ceremony. "These handheld X-ray machines represent a significant leap forward in our diagnostic capacity. Their portability will allow us to reach individuals in remote areas, work places like factories and congregation settings like old age homes, orphanages etc ensuring that more cases are detected early, leading to better treatment outcomes and ultimately saving lives.”

The Health Minister emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling the TB crisis and lauded IOCL's commitment to this crucial public health issue. He expressed confidence that these new resources would be effectively utilized to screen a larger population in Sangrur and Malerkotla, bringing the state closer to its TB elimination goals. The Health Minister also acknowledged the potential of Artificial Intelligence in augmenting X-ray diagnostics, as recommended by the WHO, for faster and more accurate results.

MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director Health Services(Family Welfare) Dr Jasminder, Director (ESI) Dr Jaspreet Kaur and State TB Officer Dr Rajesh Bhaskar were also present on the occasion.

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YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH: PUNJAB LAUNCHES FIVE-PILLAR ACTION PLAN TO ELIMINATE DRUG ADDICTION, DR BALBIR SINGH LEADS HISTORIC NGO SUMMIT

— THIS IS PUNJAB'S DECISIVE WAR ON DRUGS, WE HAVE THE STRATEGY AND POLITICAL WILL TO WIN, DECLARES HEALTH MINISTER

— COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TARGETS SUPPLY REDUCTION, DEMAND REDUCTION, HARM REDUCTION AND STIGMA REDUCTION

— OVER 30 NGOs FROM ACROSS COUNTRY PARTICIPATES IN CONSULTATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE MEETING TO ELIMINATE DRUG ADDICTION

CHANDIGARH, April 15: In yet another decisive move to eliminate drug addiction from the state amidst the ongoing anti-drugs campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ launched by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Tuesday unveiled a five-pillar action plan to during a high-level consultative and collaborative meeting with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs). This strategy marks a paradigm shift in the state’s approach to combating drug abuse through Supply Reduction, Demand Reduction, Harm Reduction and Stigma Reduction.

Declaring an end to Punjab’s decades-old "political-police-criminal nexus”, Dr Singh asserted, ”The missing piece—political will—is now in place. With CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership and your grassroots power, we will create a ‘Rangla Punjab’.”

Over 30 NGOs including Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Society for the Promotion of Youth & Masses (SPYM), Ananya Birla Foundation, Kalgidhar Trust Baru Sahib, Hans Foundation, Sun Foundation, etc. from across the country and experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) participated in the meeting, which took place at Punjab Bhawan here.

Emphasising the government’s unwavering commitment to breaking the supply-demand cycle of drugs while ensuring compassionate rehabilitation for affected individuals, the Health Minister stressed on the need to prevent upcoming generation— kids and students— to fall prey to drug menace, while, focusing on ensuring treatment those those, who are already got addicted.

He said that as part of harm-reduction, Punjab Government is soon going to introduce dose of liquid methadone in all the Medical colleges, which has proven very effective way to bring drug addicts into mainstream.

Terming treatment of drug addicts as a challenging part, Dr Balbir Singh said that to cope up with this, doctors will put the drug addict oral drugs including BPNx (buprenorphine+Naloxone) or liquid methadone dose or any other method to stop him from using injectable drugs. “After de-addiction treatment, we will move the patient to rehabilitation centre and provide him skill development course to bring him into the mainstream,” he said, while adding that they will also rope in employment generation department to provide the patient a good job to avert the chances of relapse.

The Minister also solicited support of NGOs to amplify efforts in relapse prevention and stigma reduction, stressing, “Addiction is a disease, not a crime. We must approach victims with empathy and equip them with skills for dignified reintegration.” He also proposed partnerships with religious organisations to expand rehab centres and community support groups.

Dr Balbir Singh also stressed on the need to establish a data intelligence unit for better synergy and intelligence sharing between police and health department, which will help in ascertaining prevalence of drugs in particular areas to make treatment strategies accordingly. The different sessions during the meeting also explored other preventive interventions including Peer Leadership Initiatives and Model De-addiction centres, etc.

He exhorted all the NGOs to come forward to make Punjab a drug-free state to realise the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann of ‘Rangla Punjab’.

Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare Kumar Rahul, ADGP Nilabh Kishore, MD NHM Ghanshyam Thori, MD PHSC Amit Talwar, DIG ANTF Sanjeev Rampal, AIG ANTF Ashwini Gotyal, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, AD (Mental Health) Dr Sandeep Bhola, Chairman homeopathy Council Dr TP Singh, Governance fellows— Sujeet Kishan, Aryan Sahi, Anshu Gupta, Srijita Chakraborty and Neha Choudhary, representatives of various NGOs, were also present in the meeting.

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- Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma Emphasizes Nutritional Security

Chandigarh/Jalandhar, April 15:Punjab State Food Commission Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma emphasized nutritional security while addressing a meeting with officials from various departments here today.

During the meeting, which included Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Buddhi Raj Singh and officials from the departments of Food and Civil Supplies, Health, Social Security, and Education, the Chairman stated that while the Commission is committed to providing quality food to the people of the state, special focus is being given to children’s health.

The Chairman stressed the need to develop nutrition gardens at Anganwadi centers in the district to ensure that children receive food rich in essential nutrients. He also instructed officials from the School Education Department to ensure that vacant areas in schools are used to grow fruits, vegetables, as well as herbal and medicinal plants. This will help provide fresh and nutritious food to children.

While reviewing the mid-day meal program, Mr. Sharma emphasized providing high-quality and nutritious food to children. He said proper storage of rations, cleanliness during food preparation, and hygiene must be ensured. He also said that food coming to Anganwadi centers for beneficiaries and the mid-day meal ration in schools must be stored properly.

In addition, he instructed that cooks, helpers, and other staff should be given formal training on hygiene and standards. He stressed the importance of coordination between the Health Department and the School Education Department for this purpose.

The Chairman also reviewed the health check-up programs in schools and instructed that proper records be maintained. He said that a bright future for children can be secured through nutritional security.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner shared that 1,30,683 students in the district are currently benefiting from the mid-day meal scheme, and all government schools have kitchen sheds, gas connections, gas stoves, and fire extinguishers.

He also stated that in Shahkot, which is an aspirational block, nutrition gardens have been developed in 30 Anganwadi centers.

The DFSC Narinder Singh informed that the district currently has 790 fair price shops, and that there are 278,856 ration card holders and around 1,254,856 beneficiaries who are provided wheat through ration depots.

Present at the occasion were DSSO Manjinder Singh, DEO (Elementary) Harjinder Kaur, and officials from various departments.

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‘YUDH NASHIAN VIRUDH’: ON DAY 46, PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS 97 DRUG SMUGGLERS; 1.6KG HEROIN, ₹29.7K DRUG MONEY RECOVERED

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A DRUG-FREE STATE AS PER DIRECTIONS OF CM BHAGWANT SINGH MANN

— OVER 200 POLICE TEAMS LED BY 72 SP/DSP RANK OFFICERS CHECKED 475 SUSPICIOUS PERSONS: SPL DGP ARPIT SHUKLA

CHANDIGARH, April 15:With the war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eradicate drug menace from state entered 46th day, Punjab Police on Tuesday arrested 97 drug smugglers and recovered 1.6 kg heroin and ₹29790 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 6138 in just 46 days.

The operation was conducted on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state.

Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.

Divulging details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla informed that over 200 Police teams, comprising over 1200 police personnel, under the supervision of 72 gazetted officers have conducted raids at as many as 433 locations across the state leading to the registration of 60 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. Police teams have also checked as many as 475 suspicious persons during the day long operation, he added.

The Special DGP said that with the state government has enforced a three-pronged strategy— Enforcement, Deaddiction and Prevention (EDP)— to eradicate drugs from the state, the Punjab Police as part of ‘De-addiction’ has convinced eight persons to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.